PLUS: BASEBALL -- CARIBBEAN SERIES; Dominican Republic Wins Title

The Dominican Republic captured its second consecutive Caribbean Series title yesterday with a 3-0 victory over the hosts Venezuela in Puerto La Cruz.

Neifi Perez, also of the Colorado Rockies, cracked a two-run homer in the second in support of winning pitcher Julian Tavares (San Francisco Giants) and four relievers.

The Dominican team clearly outdistanced rivals from Puerto Rico, Venezuela and Mexico in the tournament of Winter League baseball champions from the four countries. The Dominican Republic, led by the rookie manager Tony Pena, won its 11th title in of the 40 Caribbean Series played over the past 50 years. Puerto Rico still leads with 13 overall titles.